Carolinas Concussion Network

Having a Concussion is More than just a

Bump on the Head

Carolinas Rehabilitation is proud to be a part of the Carolinas Concussion Network (CCN). CCN offers expertise in the identification, diagnosis and management of concussions for all ages. Instead of having just one physician, this network consists of a team of specialists from all different fields of medicine with expertise in brain injury to optimize recovery time and return to work or play. Whether you live in Charlotte or in surrounding areas, we can provide treatment at locations convenient to you. Additionally, we are able to provide the most comprehensive care for treatment of concussions from emergency treatment through treatment of post-concussive syndrome and neuropsychological testing.

At Carolinas Medical Center and Carolinas Rehabilitation, we are experienced in treating all types of brain injury from mild to the most severe. We work with community recreation leagues and school sports to provide healthcare services including the Carolina Panthers, the Charlotte Knights, Charlotte Motor Speedway and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

What is a Concussion?

A concussion is an injury to the brain caused by a blow or jolt to the head. Another term for concussion is mild traumatic brain injury. It can cause a feeling of being dazed, confused and disoriented, and individuals may also have brief memory loss.

The individual does not have to lose consciousness to experience a concussion. The person may also experience changes in physical behavior or thinking abilities.

These changes vary for each individual. Usually these symptoms disappear within minutes to months following the injury, but sometimes symptoms last longer.

Below are some signs and symptoms which may indicate a concussion has occurred.

Signs of Concussion:

Dazed or stunned

Confusion

Forgetfulness

Unsure of game, score or opponent

Has a vacant stare

Answers questions slowly

Moves clumsily

Loses consciousness

Behavior or personality changes

Decline in school performance

Symptoms of Concussion:

Headache

Nausea or vomiting

Problems talking

Blood or fluid draining from ears or nose

Dizziness

Double or blurred vision

Sensitivity to noise or light

Difficulty concentrating

Memory problems

Changes in sleep habits

Carolinas Concussion Network is proud to offer new high-tech equipment to evaluate head injuries that will make the gridiron safer for area schools' football players. The Department of Sports Medicine and Special Events, part of Carolinas Concussion Network, received a grant from Kohl's department stores to make concussion-assessment software available to all Charlotte-Mecklenburg high schools with sports programs. The grant also paid to install sensors in some players' helmets. The sensors measure the forces of impact that can possibly lead to concussions.

Another feature of this program is the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive (ImPACT) testing, which determines if an athlete can safely return to play after suffering a head injury. ImPACT is a computer-based testing program that measures cognitive function in athletes with concussions, including attention span, working memory, non-verbal problem solving and reaction time. To have your team or group tested, call 704-512-3820.

To make a referral or schedule an appointment with one of our physicians, call 704-355-9200.